Why the ‘Rat Poison’ rant by Nick Saban is a lose-lose for Tide opponents
By Mike Parham
During the press conference after defeating Texas A&M, Coach Saban likened the media’s continual praising of Alabama players to ‘rat poison.’
Alabama football did not perform to Nick Saban’s standard last Saturday. The Crimson Tide had an opportunity to put the Aggies away and failed to do so. Nick Saban was frustrated with his team.
When Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with the media Saturday night he got more frustrated. Nothing new there, Saban has been on quite a roll this season, but the reason behind his frustration warranted a second listen.
Saban was frustrated for how media members continue to tell the Alabama football players how good they are. Yes, how GOOD they are:
"“I’m trying to get our players to listen to me, instead of listening to you guys. You know, all that stuff you write about how good we are? And all that stuff they hear on ESPN? It’s like poison. You know what I mean? It’s like poison. It’s like taking poison. Like rat poison. All right, so I’m asking them, ‘Are you gonna listen to me, or are you gonna listen to these guys about how good you are?”"
When you actually think about the reasoning behind his frustration, it doesn’t seem that irrational. No head coach wants his players being constantly praised to the point where they feel invincible.
Guarding against inflated player esteem since 2010
Alabama fans learned that following the 2009 championship season. The Tide were heavy favorites to repeat in 2010 but went on to lose three games in a somewhat disappointing season.
However, this season, coach Nick Saban looks to eliminate any complacency that may be on the minds of Tide players. Good for Alabama but bad for their opponents.
What happens if there is someone that’s bold enough to report on how bad Alabama players are? We all know how Alabama players feed off of people doubting their dominance. Just ask Vanderbilt’s Nifae Lealao how it went for him.
What happens if the praise for Bama players stays the same? Undoubtedly, coach Saban will be in full damage control leading up to the games to ensure focus and mental toughness. Damage control that will likely require some very tough love.
So, then, you have a hungry, focused, pissed off team staring at you ready to release some frustration. Pick your ‘rat poison’ wisely.
Next: Former Alabama football coach, Gene Stallings named to SEC Legends Class
Alabama’s next matchup is against a struggling Arkansas team at 7:15 ET. Look for the Tide to come out firing on all cylinders and for Arkansas to be their punching bag.